8.20 Conclusion: The Island of Hawaii

Modern jet travel is amazing. We completed this missive prior to leaving Kailua: Our plane departed two hours late, we missed the connection, lost our luggage and still arrived in San Diego before the email that references this blog.

So long to Hawaii—included are a few highlights of this leg of Hike-about (Click on a photo to get a larger size)

We have a dilemma as we prepare to return to the mainland. Considering the term ‘mainland’, we think it might just be a little belittling of Hawaiians. Are they ancillary to the mainland? Where does the State of Maine fit into this? Did they really have to append that ‘e'? We’re not even thinking of creating a feud…yet. Anyway, that’s not the dilemma for today. However, it’s something to look forward to in the future.

Today’s issue is about a collection. No, not money, not yet anyway. Should gold continue to fall and interest rates remain non-existent then we may have to pass around the hat. Our collection is for an hour, about 60 minutes.

When we left the ‘mainland’, we gained two hours in time. Then a couple of weeks ago, mainlanders moved the clock forward an hour. Thus, when we return, we are going to lose three hours, against the two we gained previously, leaving us with a deficit of an hour. We will be out of balance. What can we do about this missing hour? That’s where the idea of collecting sixty minutes arises. Our editor suggested that we ask 60 friends. Should each contribute one minute, we’d be back on track. Nice idea, we replied but we thought it a bit optimistic, not the giving, but the number of friends. We can think of, perhaps, two. Asking them to contribute 30 minutes each may be stretching it. Please prove us wrong!

Thank you again to those who sent emails, some with most uplifting messages. We can think of a few that allowed us to soar to the heights of Mauna Loa, almost.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

The vent at Halema'uma'u

Kilauea Caldera—during the day: Above, at night

The angry coast

The crater at the peak of Mauna Loa, nearly 14,000 feet, with some snow

Akaka Falls, what's in a name, seriously

On Mauna Kea, absorbing Mauna Loa, a unique experience—the mountain is just visible

Sunset on Mauna Loa above the clouds

A view at the peak of Mauna Kea

Waimea Valley, lush and gorgeous

A snow sprinkled cone on Mauna Kea

Early days on Mauna Kea, near the beginning

A waterfall in Waimee Valley, nearly 2,000 feet high

Idyllic in the North

A fascinating summit, Mauna Kea

Waimea Valley

From Mauna Loa Peak, one summit to another

Hiilawe Falls, the highest in Hawaii

A final glimpse on Mauna Loa—tomorrow is a new day